Humanitarian aid, a crucial resource in the global fight against poverty and disease and the most prominent crisis response is at a turning point as many within the field of humanitarian assistance are advocating for a new future for global aid. Humanitarian aid is often serves to address immediate needs in a crisis, focusing on people rather than development sectors, with the direct goal of saving lives and alleviating suffering. This aid is typically possible through the saturation of crisis zones with basic necessities like structures, food and medical supplies.
While the goals of humanitarian aid appear to involve straightforward resource distribution, the implementation often presents unforeseen challenges. Foreign responses to crises have been criticized for their shortcomings in cultural competency and the lack of proper infrastructure to effectively distribute these important resources. Recent experts in the field have advocated for a new structure for humanitarian aid to address these challenges and create a more sustainable vision.
Expert Report on Humanitarian Aid
A technical expert in protection projects spoke with The Borgen Project on the growingly prominent discourse regarding humanitarian aid. The source, who spent more than a decade abroad working on-site at the United Nations (U.N.) refugee camps in Greece, Tunisia and Myanmar, wishes to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the work. She explains, “The problem with humanitarian aid is that, essentially, it is a relatively new field. Basic standards were not really established until the nineties. Because of that, the humanitarian field takes a lot of time to catch up to where many other fields are in terms of adapting to the times.”
The Evolution of Foreign Aid
While foreign aid is a concept that began long before the ’90s, the system in use by developed nations today is relatively new. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the primary U.S. aid organization, was not established until the 1960s and evolved into its current form in the early 2000s. Foreign aid has undergone many changes throughout the years to adapt to emerging political ideologies and needs. This expert believes another period of transformation is ongoing. Since COVID-19 affected the global economy, the need for aid and multidimensional aid in particular has increased.
The Potential Impact of Local Collaboration
The eighth Secretary-General of the U.N., Ban Ki-Moon, spoke of this issue in 2016, but there are no big changes yet. He explained that current conflict trends require a reimagining of future humanitarian action. “The starting point is a fundamental shift in our approach, away from crisis response and towards crisis prevention, by reducing vulnerabilities and managing risks,” he said. This can largely be accomplished by moving away from “individual projects with short term goals” and toward longer timelines that can be sustained within the community. He emphasized working with local actors and supporting existing support structures rather than replacing them amidst a crisis.
Ki-Moon’s beliefs are echoed by the technical expert as she explains, “So one of the things that, for example, is talked about a lot is trying to shift to needs-based and more tailored assistance based on what are the specific needs of the population rather than a blanket just assuming that, oh, everyone wants X, Y, Z, but in reality that is not the case.” Tailoring needs to a specific population can make a rapid response more complex, but it can also be the difference between effective and ineffective aid. If a larger organization adopts a ‘one size fits all’ approach to aid, it assumes the world is homogeneous. Understanding cultural differences and norms is crucial for respecting communities and ensuring that aid does more good than harm.
Comparing Long-term and Short-term Aid
By collaborating with local communities, it becomes possible to establish a longer-term support system. The technical expert points out that current humanitarian funding typically spans just one or two years, prompting discussions about the need for sustainable, extended programs. This entails adopting a more integrated approach, where humanitarian and development aid, two historically separate sectors, can be combined to create a more enduring vision. Instead of solely relying on reactive humanitarian assistance, humanitarian aid can be used to lay the foundation for the distribution of basic necessities. This approach enhances the effectiveness of reactive aid by integrating infrastructure and involving community members experienced in aid distribution from the outset.
Furthermore, short-term aid has limitations in its ability to support vulnerable populations. The expert explains, “When you have one year of funding, that does not really create long-term change when we are talking about soft sectors. So that is when I am talking about protection as a soft sector because it is making sure that you reduce the amount of gender-based violence or child abuse and you increase awareness of people’s rights and increase awareness about their land rights and stuff like that. So those things take a much longer time to be able to see that difference.” Crisis response can go beyond survival if the focus shifts to a more sustainable vision.
An interesting tool to establish these longer-term, local-based visions of aid is cash rather than resources. In the same address, Ki-Moon stated that the U.N. must add “cash payments based on risk analysis to the traditional mix.” Over the last decade, cash has increased and shown to be effective in the correct settings. It is handed directly to local populations who understand the exact needs of the community and do not need to be trained in cultural competency.
Looking Ahead
The transition toward cash is beneficial. She elaborates, “With cash, there is a lot of struggle between how to manage that to make sure that it is not causing harm and that it is not being exploited by different staff organizations or even the women and people who are vulnerable get it being able to access it if there is a head of household. So that is still being figured out, which is good, but it is not commonplace yet.” The shift to local, sustainable and cash-based aid endeavors may be challenging, but many argue it is the necessary step for the longevity of foreign aid programs.
-Nikki Bayat
Photo: Flickr
5 Facts About Poverty in Fiji
5 Facts About Poverty in Fiji
Looking Ahead
As a small island nation still recovering from a global pandemic, Fiji has obstacles to overcome on its path to poverty reduction, with its 2030 sustainability goals still at risk. A strong economic recovery may be essential, with a revitalization of the tourism and agricultural sector as a priority for the government. AOP’s initiatives and continued commitments from ADB, which pledged $150 million in 2022 for the Sustainable and Resilient Recovery Program, provide reason to be hopeful about the fight against poverty in Fiji.
– Sam Waterkeyn
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The Potential of the Sisal Plant in Addressing Period Poverty
Three Stanford researchers, Anton Molina, Anesta Kothari and Manu Prakash, are working on a solution to these struggles by asking, “Can Plants Help End “Period Poverty?” and they found their answer: Sisal.
Sisal Plant, The Key to Ending Period Poverty
The sisal plant is an agave plant that is originally from Mexico. The sisal plant is grown for the fibers in its leaves to create ropes. While the main focus of the sisal plant has been on the production of ropes, Molina, Kothair and Prakash have found that the plant can be efficient in producing pads. The researchers used a chemical process to remove the plant cell walls from the sisal plant. They can blend the rest of the plant and create a fluffier, absorbent material.
The blended material is optimal in developing countries because the chemicals they use to remove the cell walls are local to various countries. The sisal plant can also grow in arid areas and does not need much upkeep to maintain its length. According to Communications Engineering, “Sisal can be harvested year-round across a variety of geographies, yielding over 200,000 tonnes globally in 2020.”
More Comfort and Absorption
These plant-based pads provide users with a more efficient pad for comfort and absorption than hemp and flex seed pads. According to Communications Engineering, “There is a clear difference in porosity between the two materials with flax-derived fluff pulp being much denser than the hemp-derived fluff pulp and both, in turn, being less dense than cotton-CMP.”
In an interview with Nature Journal, the Stanford team shared more about the sisal and its effectiveness. The sisal fibers could absorb liquids better than other cotton materials. “It has the right amount of cellulose that fibers…the part of the plant that holds the water, making it a viable center of the menstrual pad.”
How Can This Help End Period Poverty?
Period poverty is a global plight many organizations have tried to battle through donations of a supply of period products. However, because of the need for more awareness of the dire situation, those who donate do not think to add period products or present the correct products needed for particular countries. Period products are not as accessible in developing countries as many women cannot afford to buy them monthly because they are too expensive.
Culturing the sisal plant allows women to process and create their pads at a cheaper rate without worrying about monthly expenses. The Stanford researchers continue to spread information about their plant-based pads and, through their efforts, have developed an efficient and hopeful path to ending period poverty using a hardy plant.
– Jessica Jean-Baptiste
Photo: Flickr
Envisioning the Future of Humanitarian Aid
While the goals of humanitarian aid appear to involve straightforward resource distribution, the implementation often presents unforeseen challenges. Foreign responses to crises have been criticized for their shortcomings in cultural competency and the lack of proper infrastructure to effectively distribute these important resources. Recent experts in the field have advocated for a new structure for humanitarian aid to address these challenges and create a more sustainable vision.
Expert Report on Humanitarian Aid
A technical expert in protection projects spoke with The Borgen Project on the growingly prominent discourse regarding humanitarian aid. The source, who spent more than a decade abroad working on-site at the United Nations (U.N.) refugee camps in Greece, Tunisia and Myanmar, wishes to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the work. She explains, “The problem with humanitarian aid is that, essentially, it is a relatively new field. Basic standards were not really established until the nineties. Because of that, the humanitarian field takes a lot of time to catch up to where many other fields are in terms of adapting to the times.”
The Evolution of Foreign Aid
While foreign aid is a concept that began long before the ’90s, the system in use by developed nations today is relatively new. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the primary U.S. aid organization, was not established until the 1960s and evolved into its current form in the early 2000s. Foreign aid has undergone many changes throughout the years to adapt to emerging political ideologies and needs. This expert believes another period of transformation is ongoing. Since COVID-19 affected the global economy, the need for aid and multidimensional aid in particular has increased.
The Potential Impact of Local Collaboration
The eighth Secretary-General of the U.N., Ban Ki-Moon, spoke of this issue in 2016, but there are no big changes yet. He explained that current conflict trends require a reimagining of future humanitarian action. “The starting point is a fundamental shift in our approach, away from crisis response and towards crisis prevention, by reducing vulnerabilities and managing risks,” he said. This can largely be accomplished by moving away from “individual projects with short term goals” and toward longer timelines that can be sustained within the community. He emphasized working with local actors and supporting existing support structures rather than replacing them amidst a crisis.
Ki-Moon’s beliefs are echoed by the technical expert as she explains, “So one of the things that, for example, is talked about a lot is trying to shift to needs-based and more tailored assistance based on what are the specific needs of the population rather than a blanket just assuming that, oh, everyone wants X, Y, Z, but in reality that is not the case.” Tailoring needs to a specific population can make a rapid response more complex, but it can also be the difference between effective and ineffective aid. If a larger organization adopts a ‘one size fits all’ approach to aid, it assumes the world is homogeneous. Understanding cultural differences and norms is crucial for respecting communities and ensuring that aid does more good than harm.
Comparing Long-term and Short-term Aid
By collaborating with local communities, it becomes possible to establish a longer-term support system. The technical expert points out that current humanitarian funding typically spans just one or two years, prompting discussions about the need for sustainable, extended programs. This entails adopting a more integrated approach, where humanitarian and development aid, two historically separate sectors, can be combined to create a more enduring vision. Instead of solely relying on reactive humanitarian assistance, humanitarian aid can be used to lay the foundation for the distribution of basic necessities. This approach enhances the effectiveness of reactive aid by integrating infrastructure and involving community members experienced in aid distribution from the outset.
Furthermore, short-term aid has limitations in its ability to support vulnerable populations. The expert explains, “When you have one year of funding, that does not really create long-term change when we are talking about soft sectors. So that is when I am talking about protection as a soft sector because it is making sure that you reduce the amount of gender-based violence or child abuse and you increase awareness of people’s rights and increase awareness about their land rights and stuff like that. So those things take a much longer time to be able to see that difference.” Crisis response can go beyond survival if the focus shifts to a more sustainable vision.
An interesting tool to establish these longer-term, local-based visions of aid is cash rather than resources. In the same address, Ki-Moon stated that the U.N. must add “cash payments based on risk analysis to the traditional mix.” Over the last decade, cash has increased and shown to be effective in the correct settings. It is handed directly to local populations who understand the exact needs of the community and do not need to be trained in cultural competency.
Looking Ahead
The transition toward cash is beneficial. She elaborates, “With cash, there is a lot of struggle between how to manage that to make sure that it is not causing harm and that it is not being exploited by different staff organizations or even the women and people who are vulnerable get it being able to access it if there is a head of household. So that is still being figured out, which is good, but it is not commonplace yet.” The shift to local, sustainable and cash-based aid endeavors may be challenging, but many argue it is the necessary step for the longevity of foreign aid programs.
-Nikki Bayat
Photo: Flickr
NRC Reshaping Education in Venezuela
NRC’s Role in Venezuela
The NRC had already identified the beginnings of a protracted crisis in Venezuela when it established its presence in 2005. In 2019, it installed an independent office in Caracas to efficiently deal with the consequences of the worsening political and economic crisis. Such steadfast commitment has made it one of the most prominent NGOs in Venezuela, with an annual budget of $10 million, which helps provide various humanitarian resources to impoverished Venezuelans.
Education Efforts
Educational possibilities are some of the prime resources the NRC provides to the Venezuelan population. The NGO’s concern with education stems from the belief that it bestows a generation of Venezuelans with productive skills that allow them to lift their entire community out of poverty. The NRC education program focuses on returning students to school after lengthy absences. Students often drop out of school due to their inability to afford education, deteriorating school infrastructure, lack of capable teachers and child labor. The NRC individually addresses these issues to ensure that the Venezuelan education system achieves progress in the right direction.
To foster a more welcoming and hygienic environment, the NRC improves the infrastructure in public schools by conducting repairs and introducing innovations that reduce overcrowding, among other things. Teachers receive training to handle high capacity classes and higher academic requirements, enriching the educational experience for Venezuelan students. Educational materials such as stationery supplies, textbooks and field trips are also provided to teachers and students alike, further improving the quality of education and making it more affordable for Venezuelans from impoverished households.
Political Collaboration and Impact
The NRC also works at a political level, collaborating with the Ministry of Education to establish a long term plan to reform primary and secondary education and to ensure student displacement challenges are addressed in Venezuela. Additionally, the NRC provides humanitarian resources such as food, water and livelihoods to the people of Venezuela alongside educational opportunities. Its WASH program has provided water security to more than 37,000 Venezuelans in both private and public spaces, particularly public schools.
Ultimately, the NRC educational program has helped more than 11,000 Venezuelan children return to school. However, that is only about a fraction of the 1.5 million out-of-school children in the country. Since their work has been so productive in such a short period, NGOs like the NRC deserve more funding from states like the United States (U.S.) to bolster their efforts at reforming education in Venezuela, allowing even more children to learn skills that can lift them out of burgeoning poverty.
Looking Forward
The NRC has been persistent in its efforts, as evidenced by an increase in its funding to $10 million in November 2023. While its path forward has been slow and incremental at times, the organization’s commitment to lifting Venezuelans out of poverty serves as a humanitarian model for similar NGOs.
– Parth Mishra
Photo: Flickr
Human Traffickers Thrive Amid Global Conflict
Human Traffickers’ Tactics
Traffickers take advantage of vulnerabilities, particularly situations of poverty, using deceptive tactics to lure refugees into fraudulent travel and employment arrangements. For example, women and girls are commonly presented with vague job opportunities, with the promise of financial stability, only to be sold, trafficked and abused. Smugglers who promise refugees a safe journey and admittance into host countries, often turn around and demand more money. With little to no money to give, it is not uncommon for smugglers to exploit displaced individuals through sex trafficking.
Women and Children at Risk
Displaced children become vulnerable to child marriage and sex trafficking in exchange for food or clothes. Syrian children are often subject to child marriage, including to members of various terrorist organizations. These arrangements can lead to sexual slavery and forced labor. Similar reports of Afghan girls forced into arranged marriages have existed since the Taliban takeover. It is not uncommon for Afghan girls to face further exploitation in sex trafficking by their new husbands.
Romania has received more than 80,000 Ukrainian refugees since February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine. In a World Vision survey in Romania, 97% of participants had heard of instances of human trafficking. Over half of these people have identified women as the most at-risk population.
According to the International Rescue Committee, by the end of 2022, 52% of all global refugees came from three countries; Syria, Ukraine and Afghanistan. All three of these countries are struggling with conflicts and authoritarianism. Conflict weakens a country’s political stability, hence increasing economic vulnerabilities. To properly address and shut down human traffickers thriving amidst global conflict, greater awareness surrounding authoritarian government structures is necessary.
Taking Action Against Human Trafficking
The Global Protection Cluster (GPC) is a “network of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations and U.N. agencies, engaged in protection work in humanitarian crises including armed conflict and disasters.”
The GPC, in terms of human trafficking, aims to ensure that partners and governments tasked with protecting people from trafficking are well-equipped to handle the task. It created the Task Team on Anti-Trafficking in Humanitarian Action in 2017. The Task Team is co-led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR. Task Team members include InterAction, the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) and other major humanitarian organizations.
– Sophia Loizos
Photo: Flickr
Everything You Need to Know About Poverty in Azerbaijan
Background on Poverty and Inequality in Azerbaijan
In Azerbaijan, as of 2021, 5.9% of the population lived below the National Poverty Line, and the total unemployment rate stood at 6%. While absolute poverty has decreased in the country over successive decades, concerns persist regarding relative poverty and perceived inequality. Rural-urban disparities contribute significantly. It was reported that in 2009, there were notable gaps in access to gas supply and sanitation between urban and rural areas.
Gender disparities and a rigid political landscape further complicate Azerbaijan’s social fabric, as women bear the burden of unpaid care work and face higher unemployment rates. The political elite’s focus on energy and security issues, rather than democratic values, poses challenges to broader societal inclusion. These complex challenges highlight the need for comprehensive strategies addressing economic and social dimensions of poverty in Azerbaijan.
The Resource Dilemma
Baku’s architectural grandeur echoes the wealth derived from the oil and gas sector, constituting 91% of total exports in 2022. The PSA (Production-Sharing Agreement) of 1994, known as the “Contract of the Century,” has been pivotal in Azerbaijan’s economic trajectory. However, this wealth has not seamlessly trickled down, leaving citizens outside Baku grappling with financial challenges and underscoring the need for equitable wealth distribution. Notably, as of 2022, the top 10% of earners commanded 674 manats per month, while the bottom 10% struggled with an income of 183.4 manats per month, illustrating stark economic disparities.
Consumer Confidence and Economic Sentiments
While urban-rural disparities persist, a deeper analysis of the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) reveals pessimism among respondents about the country’s economic trajectory. Negative sentiments and a lack of transparency result in calls for policy reforms to restore confidence in government economic strategies. Results from a study with 500 participants in 2022 indicate that 44% mentioned worsening financial circumstances in the past 12 months, 80% believed the country’s economy deteriorated and 96% observed an increase in prices. Regarding future expectations, 28% predicted worse financial conditions in the next 12 months, 61% thought the country’s economic state would worsen and 81% anticipated rising prices.
Regional Economic Dynamics
Looking at the broader picture, Azerbaijan’s economic influence transcends its territorial confines. The transformative deal of 1994, focusing on oil resources, catapulted Azerbaijan into a regional economic powerhouse, leaving an enduring impact on key sectors like transportation and energy infrastructure. In the wake of this ground-breaking agreement, defining regions and skillfully managing relationships became even more critical, adding layers of complexity to the quest for sustained economic stability.
Azerbaijan’s strategic alliances, notably with Turkey, play a pivotal role in its economic narrative. Potential threats arise from political challenges in pipeline transportation routes, making it crucial to balance mutual dependence while managing socio-economic relations for sustainable economic routes and regional leadership.
Positive Progress in Poverty Alleviation
Azerbaijan’s robust state initiatives, including the ‘National Programme on Women’s Issues‘ and the ‘State Strategy on the Development of Education,’ have yielded substantial progress in poverty alleviation. The ASAN Service, recognized with the UN Public Service Award, significantly streamlined public services.
Notable successes include Azerbaijan being considered a high human development nation since 2010, and from 2003 to 2015, the country saw a decline in women’s unemployment from 12.7% to 5.9%; a 100% literacy rate among 15-24 year-olds; and a reduction in the absolute poverty rate from 49% to 4.9%. The State Statistical Committee reported a significant decrease in the poverty rate from 61.5% in 1995 to 4.8% in 2019, highlighting the nation’s commitment to addressing poverty challenges.
Looking Ahead
As poverty in Azerbaijan continues to pose problems, the state simultaneously grapples with its role as a regional economic powerhouse. The PSA’s impact on the energy sector, while monumental, necessitates economic diversification and a move toward a comprehensive modern economy.
Turkey’s economic transformation could serve as a source of inspiration for Azerbaijan. The call to diversify sectors, import technologies and exchange expertise sets the stage for long-term economic trends. The transition to a knowledge-based economy, geopolitical savvy, and societal inclusivity could unlock a future where Azerbaijan thrives as a model of economic resilience and regional cooperation.
–Arshiya Eslamdoust
Photo: Flickr
Menstruation and Misery in Africa’s Mozambique
Notably, poverty has a more significant impact on women in Mozambique compared to men. Women face distinct challenges, with one of the most pressing issues being the management of menstruation due to their limited incomes.
The international poverty line is set at $2.15 per person per day, implying that a large part of the world is unable to fulfill basic needs related to nutritional and health security. Many women in developing countries find it exceedingly difficult to allocate their income to period management in the face of dietary and familial needs. In such a situation, the health and well-being of countless women are jeopardized due to an inability to access underwear, sanitary pads and soap. Menstruation in Mozambique continues to remain a severe challenge for poor women and young girls.
Need for Improvement
According to a 2021 research paper, less than 20% of schools across Africa (including Mozambique) provide basic services such as sex-separate facilities, water supply, doors with a lock and waste disposal bins, indicating the severe need for improvement.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the problems associated with menstruation in Mozambique. Because of falling income and output, many women could no longer practice safe and hygienic menstrual management. The government supplied “dignity kits” in response to the problem. Such kits include washable menstruation pads, underwear, whistles and lights that help women suffering from period poverty.
“Fátima Hassan, a 16-year-old teenager, fled…to Pemba City with her mother to escape from violent attacks. Now living in a safe place, she was one of 300 women and girls who took part in a COVID-19 prevention and control session and received a female ‘dignity kit,’” UNFPA reports.
Between April 2019 and May 2020, the government of Mozambique and UNFPA distributed more than 16,500 dignity kits. Recent data from refugee camps in several low-income countries show a more satisfactory level in terms of performance. Most women reported being satisfied with the menstrual services and physical facilities in Mozambique and Iraq. At the same time, less than half of the females in refugee camps in Cameroon, Malawi and South Sudan could say the same.
However, the divides between women and men still loom large in the nation’s fight against poverty.
For example, The National District Development Fund in Niassa was an important source for financing and investment in rural projects and initiatives. In allocating the funds, the project prioritized “agriculture rather than businesses, women rather than men and associations rather than individuals.” However, with time authorities were directing the scheme toward men and businesses, losing the rural and female-oriented focus.
Helvetas Mozambique
Helvetas Mozambique has been operating in Mozambique since 1979. Its focus has been on the northern region with a special focus on rural issues. The organization’s work includes building wells and increasing access to potable clean water for the local communities as well as improving agricultural efficiency and output.
The IDP Wash Project began through the efforts of Helvetas Mozambique. With support from UNICEF, the IDP Wash project spans across 11 communities in Cabo Delgado’s Ancuabe district, focusing on enhancing access to safe water, and sanitation and promoting hygiene in the well-being of the population.
In late 2021, the Marrupa host community witnessed the establishment of its first-ever water infrastructure—a concrete tower housing a 10,000-liter tank, powered by solar panels. This significant development, benefiting more than two thousand families, marks a collaborative effort toward sustainability, with the community pledging to maintain the system through contributions determined in upcoming Water Supply Committee meetings.
Looking Ahead
Menstruation in Mozambique is still a taboo subject. Continuing government efforts to provide dignity kits alongside more awareness could reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation in the country.
– Udyan Negi
Photo: Pixabay
US Solar Collaboration to Power the Developing World
This crucial shift could transform many nations where access to electricity is greatly underdeveloped. Nations like Cambodia where 75% of the population lives in rural areas could have their livelihoods transformed through American solar collaborative efforts.
Global Solar Expansion and US Opportunity
Developing countries present immense opportunities for U.S. solar collaboration. Since CarbonBrief indicates that developing countries have new driving potential in solar energy output, communities are more open to seeking affordable and sustainable energy sources. As leaders in innovation and technology, U.S. solar companies are in the most strategic position to contribute to this global paradigm shift. Solar Energy International, an organization numerous U.S.-based solar companies attend, is an example of one of the newest trends by U.S. companies, taking advantage of the increasing affordability of solar technology and the growing demand for alternative energy sources. Consequently, U.S. companies have acquired new opportunities to engage with the developing world in this project.
Examples of Successful Collaboration
USAID lists a notable instance of U.S. solar collaboration leading development efforts as partners within the private sector that the agency works with to power Africa. Several U.S. companies have partnered with USAID to support energy growth in Africa, “committing toward more than $40 billion in investments into African energy markets,” including energy grids within sub-Saharan Africa.
Additionally, 60Hertz Energy is a U.S.-based startup that implemented computerized maintenance management software systems to streamline operations and maintenance for solar infrastructure that can withstand extreme environments. As it works to establish itself in sub-Saharan Africa, it has developed a presence in Benin, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda, according to USAID. The work that 60Hertz Energy commits itself to would improve the quality of life for residents and could position the U.S. solar industry as a key player within the emerging alternative fuel paradigm.
In another instance, Acumen, a U.S.-based nonprofit impact investment fund, has invested $88 million into 82 different companies that provide “agricultural inputs, quality education, clean energy, health care services, formal housing, safe drinking water and sanitation services to low-income” recipients in East Africa, West Africa and Latin America, according to USAID. This strategic effort by the U.S.-based fund to finance various companies could make a direct impact by providing a multifaceted approach that can harness results favorable to the African solar power industry and showcase the benefits of cooperation by multiple firms.
Economic Growth and Sustainable Development
Beyond the numerous advantages for U.S. companies, solar infrastructure that originates from the U.S. to assist developing nations can potentially contribute to economic growth and sustainability in other ways. As part of the World Bank’s commitment, recipient nations that achieve affordable, reliable and modern energy services, including alternative energy sources to achieve that objective, could provide a catalyst that improves the living and working conditions for all of humanity. The most vulnerable demographics, particularly those most affected in developing countries without access to modern energy sources, will be most served by transitioning to a net-zero-emissions energy system. Therefore, a sustainable energy grid substantiated by U.S. solar could provide these benefits. In doing so, sustainable communities could create stability across the continent to empower communities and foster entrepreneurship. The U.S. would have a crucial role in building upon its geopolitical status if it were to commit itself to these arrangements.
By embracing the symbiotic framework between the U.S. and its private sector with the opportunities offered by the developing world, U.S. solar could become the forefront of sustainable growth, leading to the global prosperity many of the world’s poor need.
– Arman Ahmed
Photo: Wikimedia
Craftsmanship Meets Community to Tackle Poverty in Namibia
The British Council reports that millions of new jobs and billions of dollars in profits are created by social enterprises each year. Penduka aims to empower vulnerable populations in Namibia, both economically and socially, with increased access to the labor market. It primarily seeks to alleviate poverty by selling handicrafts made by female Namibian artists.
Poverty in Namibia
According to the Namibia Multidimensional Poverty Index Report of 2021, approximately 43.3% of Namibia’s population live in multidimensional poverty. Unlike the traditional monetary poverty rates, multidimensional poverty refers to the demographic and social status of people. According to Auditor General Junias Kandjeke, 44% of Namibian households headed by women are impoverished, primarily due to gender inequality caused by unequal distribution of resources and limited educational opportunities.
Poverty rates have decreased since 1990, when Namibia gained independence from South Africa, but fundamental challenges such as economic gender inequality and high levels of unemployment remain — factors exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the CIA Factbook estimated that approximately 50% of Namibians are unemployed.
In 2012, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Magdalena Sepúlveda, stressed that despite the existing legal support for Namibian women, they still are economically and socially vulnerable. Gender-based violence and limited access to employment for women contribute to the issue of gendered poverty in the country.
Empowering Women Through Craftsmanship
Local craftsmanship is one of the most important sources of income in developing economies. Globally, the artisan sector is worth more than $32 billion a year, serving as the second-largest employer in developing countries. Penduka offers the women of Namibia opportunities to gain experience in embroidery, sewing, jewelry making and pottery through workshops and training sessions. This empowers the women to join existing companies or create their own, selling locally and globally. Penduka offers continual professional development and support to these women, encouraging peer learning to strengthen community.
Supporting Communities Through Business
In addition to the manufacturing of handicrafts, Penduka’s philanthropic project includes the retail and hospitality sectors. Namibia is known for its captivating landscape distinguished by the Namib Desert and the Central Plateau. To capitalize on this tourism draw, the organization trains women in inventory management, customer service, food service and general hospitality. Penduka operates a retreat center, campground and tour company, managed and staffed by Namibian women. These efforts ultimately aim to build a sustainable economy in which Namibian women can gain financial independence through equitable employment in a variety of industries.
Looking Forward
To offer continuous support for Namibia’s women in underserved communities, Penduka is breaking the cycle of unemployment and poverty. Over the past 30 years, it has encouraged resilient, sustainable development for social, political and financial gender parity. Penduka now operates in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the US and South Korea, employing the same social enterprise model that has flourished in Namibia. Currently, the work of Penduka looks set to keep translating this vision into reality for the social and economic well-being of Namibian women.
– Grace Mun
Photo: Unsplash
How Does Higher Education Affect Poverty in Malaysia?
As a low to middle-income country, Malaysia has seen an increase in poverty rates, growing from 5.6% in 2019 to 6.2% in 2022. This increase can be credited to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an increase in global unemployment and a prominent decrease in international trade. New research papers from UNESCO display how global poverty rates would be reduced if all adults completed secondary education. Education allows the underprivileged to obtain higher-paying jobs, allowing many to break the poverty cycle. The following are key facts about higher education in Malaysia and how it may affect the poverty rates in the country.
Talent Drain & Race Based Admission in Malaysia
In the past two decades, Malaysia has experienced a significant talent drain, and this trend is often attributed to the racial quota system in the country’s public university admissions. This policy has led to the rejection of high-achieving students from Malaysia’s pre-university programs, even as some of them secure places in prestigious international universities like Harvard and UCLA. Consequently, many Malaysians choose to pursue higher education abroad, resulting in a brain drain that can negatively impact the country.
The exodus of talent has the potential to reduce Malaysia’s attractiveness to foreign direct investments (FDIs), as a skilled workforce is a crucial factor for foreign companies when deciding where to invest. This, in turn, could limit the creation of job opportunities within the country, making it more challenging for individuals to escape poverty in Malaysia.
The race-based admission restricts many locals’ access to higher education, with a racial quota for 90% of places to be reserved for Malays. This quota is disproportionate to the country’s demography. It is divided into three main groups: 62% Malays, 21% Chinese and 6% Indian as of 2015. As a result, many cannot access public universities, which affects their ability to achieve social mobility and lift themselves out of poverty in Malaysia.
Lack of Maturity in the Higher Education System in Malaysia
The Malaysian education system is still relatively new compared to other education systems, such as the U.K. and the U.S.. The Malaysian education system has seen significant change throughout the past century due to colonialism, shaped to promote their colonial goals by implementing British and Japanese ideals and culture. Due to the history of change, the new education system in Malaysia still lacks maturity and experience, which may harm the hireability of Malaysia’s domestic university students, affecting their ability to obtain higher-paying jobs and thus making them unable to alleviate poverty in Malaysia.
Affordability & Inequality in Higher Education System in Malaysia
There has been a notable increase in the number of undergraduate students discontinuing their studies at Malaysian universities for various reasons, with a significant proportion citing financial challenges, including high tuition fees and costly accommodation. This emerging pattern exacerbates existing societal inequalities in Malaysia by impeding social mobility due to the reduced affordability of higher education. Consequently, this trend hampers their educational attainment and career prospects, thereby limiting their ability to escape poverty in the country.
Looking Ahead
There has been an increase in effort to limit the talent drain away from Malaysia, with more grants given to fully sponsor talented students in their domestic and overseas studies while guaranteeing that they will work in Malaysia after graduation. This policy also contributes to the government’s plan to improve the affordability of higher education. Furthermore, there have been significant efforts to get rid of race-based admission within Malaysia’s education system, with increased commentary about moving away from reserving 90% of places in pre-university programs for Malays. This change could decrease poverty in Malaysia as access to higher education increases for ethnic minorities.
While it is evident that there is a lack of maturity within the Malaysian education system, the government has established the “Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint,” which is due for completion in 2025. This program is part of their aspiration to rank the Malaysian education system among the highest quality. The blueprint consists of 10 planned changes that will be executed to improve outcomes for graduates through schemes such as partnerships with firms through internships to improve the hireability of domestic graduates. This plan can potentially lower poverty rates in Malaysia in the long run by increasing job opportunities within the country.
– Matthew Fung
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